Two short stories from Japan. On the first, an old man is in a tree surrounded by demons and faced with a desperate choice. On the second, a farmer finally catches a notorious trickster who has been stealing his lunch, but tricksters gonna trick.

214-Japanese Folklore: Take Your Lumps

Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place.

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Books

When your parents get you three tiny men in a golden box as a going away present.



The creature is the Neugle, who will drown you but feel super bad about it.



AI Bird feeder that you probably shouldn't buy: https://myths.link/birdfeeder



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Can you solve the case? June needs your help, detective! Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://wooga.com/games/junes-journey



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Music:



"Delicious" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Crown of September" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Willow Willow" by Blue Dot Sessions










364: English folklore: Of Mice and Men...and Frogs...and Birds

The story of Yaroslav is one of growing up and figuring out who you are...so you can stop accidentally killing people with your deadly high-fives.



The creature is the Pombrero, a sleazy, muscly little hobbit who might already be in your house.



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Sponsors:



Can you crack the case? Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://www.wooga.com/games/junes-journey



This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self.



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"Miniatures" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Stuffed Monsters" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Bird Language" by Chad Crouch






363: Slavic Folklore: One High Five Man

Two stories from Chinese folklore about broken things. A broken pot, a broken future, and how things can come together to heal. And why you shouldn't go to work drunk or else you might have to arrest a tiger.



The creature is the tooth tyrant, the Odontotyrannos, and it's not an angry dentist.



Links: 

Uncle Jim's Worm Farm: https://myths.link/liftinjimmy



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Music:



"Jumbel" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Gathering Stasis" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Lemon and Melon" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Liptis" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Town Market" by Blue Dot Sessions






362: Chinese folklore: Broken

Two stories from English folklore about perspective, and how you can't get something for nothing, but you can absolutely get nothing for something.



The creature is an outlandish, bizarre, and strange creature known as an "ostrich."



Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar: https://myths.link/vinegar

The Bogey Beast: https://myths.link/bogeysonyourtail

Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership



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BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn to make time for what makes you happy, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self.



Music:



"Calisson" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Crumbling Dock" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Lights Out" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Beignet Interlude" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Rafter" by Blue Dot Sessions






361: English folklore: In a Pickle (jar)

The saga of Fergus mac Léti is, apparently, the first time leprechauns make their appearance in folklore. It's also the first time leprechauns try to kill a guy, get stuck in porridge, and offer some magical menswear.



The creature this time is the Oyaleroweck, who's thriving in the absence of knights in Canada.



We actually merged two stories of Fergus. Here's one translation of the overarching narrative: https://www.ucd.ie/tlh/trans/dab.eriu.16.001.t.text.html



Here's the inset one with King Iubdan: https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/fergusmacleide.html



Here's the membership if you're looking for more when we're off next week! https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership



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Music:



"Daphne" by Chad Crouch

"Dog and Pony Show" by Chad Crouch

"Dutiligi" by Chad Crouch

"In My Head" by Chad Crouch

"Midnight Blue" by Chad Crouch






214-Japanese Folklore: Take Your Lumps

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